While it’s not clear what causes some people to suffer from the itchy red bumps and scaly skin of eczema, it’s believed to be a complex condition caused by an interaction between your environment and your genes. While there is no cure, the best lotions for eczema can help assuage some of the most frustrating symptoms of the skin condition.
“Eczema is a general category for dry, itchy skin,” says Cindy Wassef, M.D., assistant professor and residency program director at Rutgers Center for Dermatology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. “There are different types, but they all represent an inflammation of the skin.”
More than 31 million people in the U.S. have eczema. The most common type is atopic dermatitis, which often starts in childhood and can come and go throughout life, says Wassef. Contact dermatitis is also common and occurs when the skin is irritated after it comes into contact with a substance. There are two types: Allergic contact dermatitis, a delayed allergic reaction to a substance; and more commonly, irritant dermatitis, which occurs when skin cells are damaged by exposure to detergents, soaps, bleach, some metals, or other products.
No matter what type you have, you should always moisturize if you’re prone to eczema. “Your barrier skin function is impaired with eczema, so you can’t protect your skin from the environment,” says Cameron Rokhsar, M.D., associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital and in private practice at New York Cosmetic Skin and Laser Surgery Center. “Get into the habit of applying moisturizer every day right after you shower or bathe. Lightly towel dry yourself, then use lotion to seal the moisture into your skin.”
How we chose the best lotions for eczema
We selected the best lotions based on Dr. Wassef and Dr. Rokhsar’s recommendations, finding products with the National Eczema Association (NEA) seal, and tons of glowing user reviews.
Though it’s understandable to try to treat eczema with over-the-counter products, definitely consult your doctor or ask for a prescription-strength ointment if your symptoms worsen.
Our top picks
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1
Best Overall Eczema Lotion
Cream for Eczema Relief
Gold Bond
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2
Best Itch-Relief Eczema Lotion
Moisturizing Lotion for Itch Relief
CeraVe
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3
Best Body Cream for Eczema
Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
Aveeno
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4
Best Eczema Lotion for Travel
Intensive Healing Lotion for Eczema
Cortizone 10
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5
Best Hand Lotion for Eczema
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Dry Hand Cream
Neutrogena
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6
Best Non-Greasy Lotion for Eczema
Curél Hydra Therapy Itch Defense Moisturizer
Curel
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7
Best Splurge Face Lotion for Eczema
Tolerance Extreme Cream
Avene
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8
Best Moisturizing Oil for Eczema
Cerave Eczema Relief Creamy Body Oil | Anti Itch Cream for Eczema & Moisturizer for Dry Skin with Colloidal Oatmeal, Ceramides and Safflower Oil | 8 Ounce
CeraVe
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9
Best Product With Natural Ingredients
Original Skin-Soothing Cream
Eczema Honey
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10
Best Baby and Kids Lotion for Eczema
Stelatopia Emollient Baby Face Cream
Mustela
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1
Best Overall Eczema Lotion
Gold Bond
Cream for Eczema Relief
2
Best Itch-Relief Eczema Lotion
CeraVe
Moisturizing Lotion for Itch Relief
3
Best Body Cream for Eczema
Aveeno
Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream
4
Best Eczema Lotion for Travel
Cortizone 10
Intensive Healing Lotion for Eczema
5
Best Hand Lotion for Eczema
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Dry Hand Cream
6
Best Non-Greasy Lotion for Eczema
Curel
Curél Hydra Therapy Itch Defense Moisturizer
7
Best Splurge Face Lotion for Eczema
Avene
Tolerance Extreme Cream
8
Best Moisturizing Oil for Eczema
CeraVe
Cerave Eczema Relief Creamy Body Oil | Anti Itch Cream for Eczema & Moisturizer for Dry Skin with Colloidal Oatmeal, Ceramides and Safflower Oil | 8 Ounce
9
Best Product With Natural Ingredients
Eczema Honey
Original Skin-Soothing Cream
10
Best Baby and Kids Lotion for Eczema
Mustela
Stelatopia Emollient Baby Face Cream
11
Best Heavy-Duty Lotion for Eczema
Vaseline
Intensive Care Cream Deep Moisture
12
Best Organic Body Oil for Eczema
Honest
The Honest Company Organic Body Oil
13
Best Vegan Lotion for Eczema
Pacifica
Vegan Ceramide Barrier Face Cream
How to choose the best lotion for eczema
✔️ When choosing lotions, look for certain ingredients: Emollients, such as petroleum, which reduce water loss, and are thick and sometimes greasy; humectants, such as glycerol and urea, which hold onto water; and ceramides, which are the skin lipids we begin to lose as we get older, says Wassef. Products containing colloidal oatmeal may help relieve the itchiness, too. Also, look for products that are “fragrance free,” not “unscented.” Unscented means the fragrance is masked; while you may not smell it, the fragrance can still trigger a flare up.
✔️ Because eczema is such an individualized condition, you may need to try several products to find one that works well for you. It's sometimes a bit of trial and error. Also, look for the NEA seal; the organization evaluates products to ensure they’re suitable for the care of eczema or sensitive skin.
✔️ While it’s reasonable to try treating your eczema at home first, sometimes you may need more than over-the-counter products. “If you’ve been dealing with a bumpy, scaly patch for 2 to 4 weeks and using moisturizer, but there’s no improvement, it’s time to see a dermatologist,” says Wassef. Getting a firm diagnosis and discussing your options, such as prescription topicals, will help you feel better faster.
Arricca Elin Sansone Arricca SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more.
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